59 rearend confusion

[rwolf]

I have a 59 GMC 1/2 ton and I am really lost and confused on picking a rear end for my truck that is the same length. I have read that the 82-92 camaro rear end is the way to go, but then I read that this rear end is weak and the stock disk brakes are hard to get to work with the front 5 lug disk brake kit.

Then I read that the s-10 is the way to go, but can you find one that is the same length as my stock one and has posi and disk brakes.


Can you guys help me sort all this out so I can get one that will hold up to 400 plus hp and be the same length with posi and disk brakes.

Thanks

[Caveman49]

I'm not sure about the rearends you mentioned, but I've a 59 Apache and took a 10 bolt from a 74 El Camino, it was almost exact on the match for length. It swapped right out, gave me good clearance for some decent beef underneath.
The 10 bolt can be built up to handle the hp you're talking about, no problem, it just takes GREEN. But you may want to consider a 9" F@#d or a 12 bolt GM if you're that concerned about breakage. Any rearend can be sized to fit from a local speed/machine shop.
Hopefully someone else will chime in that may have used the rearends you mentioned..................good luck.

Lee

[55dude]

pretty hard to put a label on the best rearend for your truck. get out your tape measure and compare. if you use rear disks you have to hook up the e-brake or they don't work properly.

[Hhan's 57]

I added a 10 bolt possie rear diff from a 71 El Camino with 3:73 gears. The length was basically the same as the 57 diff that was removed. We flipped the springs to lower the rear ride height.